Dr. Michael F. Giorlando Named Head Men’s Basketball Coach and Athletic Director at Loyola University New Orleans

(New Orleans)—Dr. Michael F. Giorlando, D.D.S., M.Ed., has been named head men’s basketball coach and athletic director at Loyola University New Orleans.

In his new position, Giorlando will oversee all aspects of Loyola’s Intercollegiate Athletic Program including its direction, development, scheduling, facilities and financial management, public relations, and fund-raising in addition to his coaching responsibilities. Loyola teams compete in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Division I and within the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference.

Giorlando has more than 15 years of experience in both the Division I collegiate and high school levels. He was most recently the assistant coach/director of basketball operations at LSU, where he has been employed since April 2001. Giorlando takes the helm of the athletic department that has the added benefit of offering athletic scholarships for the first time since 1972. The university will offer three male and three female basketball scholarships this fall.

During his tenure, the LSU men’s team qualified for three post season tournaments. The Tigers qualified for the NCAA Tournament in 2003 and the NIT in 2002 and 2004.

In 2003, LSU defeated three top 10 teams including number one ranked Arizona. In his first season, the team record was 19 wins and 15 loses, subsequent records were 21-11 and 18-11 overall. As assistant coach at LSU, Giorlando facilitated player development, planned game strategy, and developed motivational techniques.

He also oversaw the John Brady summer basketball camps. In his administrative capacities, he prepared, implemented, and balanced the men’s basketball budget of $2,000,000. He also coordinated all travel arrangements, ensured equipment needs and planned practice schedules during the regular season and off season.

In making the announcement, Nan Davis who has served as interim athletic director since May 17 when Jerry Hernandez resigned, said the appointment of Giorlando “is a great opportunity for Loyola to obtain not only a quality basketball coach but a quality individual who can guide the athletic program to the next level.”

Giorlando served as an assistant coach at UNO (1991-1992, 1997-2001) for five years, including one season under Tim Floyd. Giorlando served as head coach at ArchbishopHannanHigh School (1995-97), ArchbishopShawHigh School (1993-95), and St. Martin’s Episcopal School (1992-93).

Giorlando looks forward to this new opportunity. He said, “I am extremely grateful to the search committee and Dr. Jim Eiseman to be named head men’s basketball coach and athletic director. LoyolaUniversity’s unique blend of Catholic/Jesuit tradition and academic excellence presents an unparalleled opportunity that would allow me to contribute to the spiritual, academic and athletic development of our students. I am looking forward to working with the administration and faculty as we strive to pursue excellence in the classroom and on the court. We will continue to recruit those student athletes that will help us maintain these goals.”

Giorlando was a practicing dentist for seven years and spent eight years on the teaching faculty at LSU School of Dentistry before turning to coaching. A graduate of JesuitHigh School, he has a bachelor of science degree in biology from SpringHillCollege in Mobile, a doctor of dental surgery from LSU School of Dentistry, and a master’s in education from UNO. Giorlando’s appointment is effective July 7.